Tiger Airways is optimistic its proposed joint venture with Virgin Australia will see the fortunes of its Australian offshoot improve, following a disappointing third quarter.
Group chief executive Peng Yen said Tiger Australia's Q3 loss of S$12.9 million (A$9.98m) came as the result of "expenses growing faster than revenue" but was optimistic the Virgin JV would improve its position.
"We believe it can strengthen Tiger Australia," he told a media briefing. "There are a lot of areas where we can work together to improve coverage and coordinate networks to offer better coverage and better frequencies to passengers in Australia."
The partnership would also enable cost efficiencies which would bring down overall expenses, he added.
Meanwhile, he confirmed that eight of the 27 aircraft currently on Tiger's orderbook for delivery by the end of 2015 will be going to its Australian operation as part of the deal with Virgin.
The JV aims to take its fleet from its current 11 aircraft to 23.
"We will look for another four to take it to 23," he said. "They might come from our orderbook or from another source."
Meanwhile, Peng Yen confirmed the search is underway for a replacement for Tiger Australia chief executive Andrew David who has been appointed the new boss of Jetstar.
